Shemesh Tzedaka, responsa from Rabbi Shimshon Morpurgo of Ancona. Venice, 1743. First edition. Stamps of Rabbi Eliyahu Chaim Meisel Rabbi of Lodz.
Specifications: Part one: Orach Chaim and Yoreh Deah. [5], 117 leaves. Part two: Even HaEzer and Choshen Mishpat. [1], 58 leaves [last three leaves are missing]. 32 cm. Two title pages, with illustrations of Moshe and Aharon.
Unique Features: Several stamps of Rabbi Eliyahu Chaim Meisel, the well-known rabbi of Lodz.
Background: Rabbi Shimshon Morpurgo [1681-1740], Rabbi of Ancona, one of the foremost rabbis and adjudicators, whose words were quoted by the great adjudicators throughout the generations. He was the leader of Italian Jewry, fought against Sabbateanism and was involved in the polemic around the works of the Ramchal. A ketubah with his handwritten signature is also in the catalog before us.
Rabbi Eliyahu Chaim Meisel was born in the village of Gródek Jagielloński near Volozhin in 1821 and began studying in the Volozhin yeshiva at the age of nine, under Rabbi Yitzchak of Volozhin. He was appointed as rabbi of his city Gródek Jagielloński at a very young age. He later served as rabbi of other cities. In 1877, he was chosen as rabbi of the city of Lodz, where he served as rabbi for over thirty years until his death in 1912. He was famous for his mercy and kindness and was known to give charity generously. His figure was revered by the masses, his grave, which is in his city, became known as a site for prayer and was covered with ‘kvittelach.’
Condition: Moderate. Aging stains and worming holes. New simple binding.